Tote bags have really stood the test of time. The perfect combination of style and practicality, the best tote bags are roomy enough for your essentials and ergonomic enough that you can carry them comfortably all day long.
A wardrobe essential, the tote bag is a style that never goes out of fashion. Constantly reinvented, the latest handbag trends 2022 introduced us to both supersize and micro editions of fashion's most useful bag. Identifiable by its often, medium to large size, with two handles, long enough to sling over your shoulder, tote bags are usually without a fastening, or with a simple clasp for easy access.
"Our continued love affair with the tote bag begins with it simply doing what it says on the tin, with its name routed in the North American terminology for 'carrying around’," says Emma Hill, Creative Director of Hill & Friends. "Totes obviously play a huge part in our working lives, serving as both mobile office and the all-important day to night transformer carry-all, but they also are pivotal in our leisure time, acting as the star player in trips to the beach and picnics."
So whether you're splashing out on one of the best designer bags or looking for a budget-friendly version, much like your best jeans, a tote bag is a capsule wardrobe necessity for busy women.
The best tote bags—shopping links
- Accessorize—For pocket-friendly purchases, take the tote bag trend for a whirl without breaking the bank, prices from $13 / £8
- Aspinal of London—For totes that will last a lifetime and plenty of pops of color prices from $400 / £275
- Hill & Friends—Bags that will put a smile on your face, these tote-tastic purchases are made in England too, prices from $475 / £350
- Kate Spade—Prints galore, Kate Spade bags add some splashes of color to your everyday wardrobe, prices from $178 / £160
- Longchamp—Iconic design styles that offer plenty of practical elements too, prices from $95 / £70
- Marc Jacobs—The most statement of tote bags, these are the must-have fashion purchase, prices from $150 / £115
- Mulberry—Timeless elegance, Mulberry tote bags are universally loved, prices from $700 / £650
- Radley—For the ultimate combination of color, style and practicality, prices from $168 / £109
- Strathberry—Elegance through and through, their distinctive bags have been spotted on the arms of Royals and celebrities, prices from $445 / £325
The best tote bags hand-picked by our fashion team
Whatever the occasion, we’ve found the best tote bags for you
We couldn’t compile our best tote bags without a shout-out to American clothing brand Marc Jacobs. The canvas tote became a great marketing asset for brands who could add their logo to the fabric and allow people to experience the brand at a more affordable price. Marc Jacobs has had fun with it, giving each bag its own title. Buy into this cult trend, or opt for one of their leather options for longevity.
Marc Jacobs Tote Bags–Fashion Editor's Picks
RRP: $215 / £220 | With a classic shape, this statement, branded tote bag comes in multiple iterations. Choose from several hues, sizes and fabrications to get the style that's just right for you—there's even an XL version.
RRP: $450 / £460 | Soft and slouchy, this tote will elevate even your most laid-back weekend outfits. In this show-stopping navy, it will stand the test of time and this particular shade will look amazing contrasted with black.
RRP: $550 / £560 | This is a classic colorway; camel will take you through all seasons. In summer, pair with white dresses and raffia sandals and in winter try with navy and forest green.
Looking for a tote bag that puts the fun into functionality? We’ve found it. US brand Kate Spade became synonymous with quirky accessories, bold prints and colorful clothing after it launched in 1993, so the best Kate Spade bags will always be a hit. Let your bag do the talking and keep the rest of your outfit muted or tonal to allow the Kate Spade prints and colors to really sing.
Kate Spade Tote Bags—Fashion Editor's Picks
RRP: $228 / £225 | Roomy enough for a laptop, books, make-up bag and whatever else you might want to throw in, the shape is classic while the heart print is oh-so-cute.
RRP: $328 / £325 | Knots at the side make for a pretty design feature, and allow you to adjust the sides of your bag depending on how much you're carrying.
RRP: $398 / £395 | This bag is ideal for your day-to-day. With a secure flap and clasp seal to keep your valubles secure, this bag will fit all your work essentials.
Instantly recognizable thanks to their iconic Scottie dog logo, Radley offer a range of shapes and sizes in classic colors as well as quirky prints. Expect smooth, quality leather too.
Zizi Hill, Director of Design at Radley, says: “On your busiest day, when you need to carry everything from a spare pair of shoes to your laptop, you deserve a handbag that is chic, spacious, and designed to last.”
Radley Tote Bags—Fashion Editor's Picks
RRP: $268 / £219 | Seriously spacious, this is a practical purchase you won't regret. The Scottie dog charm is the perfect finishing touch.
RRP: $188 / £179 | Practical side pockets and a zipped top make this a spot-on choice for busy days. Ideal for work, the studs at the base help to avoid scuffs.
RRP: $178 / £109 | This paisley pretty is made from recycled polyester and water-based PU. Top marks for the built-in laptop sleeve too.
Luxury accessories and French clothing brand Longchamp have been making bags since 1948. Although they make some of the best backpacks for working women, their most iconic style is the Longchamp Le Pliage Original.
The bag has been around for 28 years and, reportedly, 30 million have been sold during that time. Durable and spacious with a minimalist style, it folds away to a smaller size making it one of the best weekend bags or great to pack away in a suitcase and pull out for a day of sightseeing.
Longchamp Tote Bags—Fashion Editor's Picks
RRP: $125 / £90 | An understated icon. A canvas body with leather handles and easy clasp makes for an everyday essential. From work to nipping to the shops, this timeless classic will serve you well.
RRP: $1,165 / £825 | If you like to take everything bar the kitchen sink with you when you leave the house, this oversized bag, in super soft supple leather is the one for you. This color is also utterly timeless.
RRP: $905 / £640 | Elegant and practical, carry by the top handles or wear crossbody to go hands-free. This bag comes in four shades.
Mulberry bags have been spotted on the arms of some of the world's most influential tastemakers, including the Duchess of Cambridge, Alexa Chung and Kate Moss. One of the most recognizable British clothing brands, their iconic Mulberry Bayswater bag achieved cult status in the early noughties, and its popularity continues today. We're also fans of the newer Lily and Portobello too. The best thing about a Mulberry tote bag? They look better with age as the leather toughens up so you can rest assured you’ll be using yours for years to come.
Mulberry Tote Bags—Fashion Editor's Picks
RRP: $850 / £695 | One of the most classic Mulberry styles, available in nine colors, it also comes with a removable pocket for you to store your valuables and find them with ease.
RRP: $1,075 / £895 | Sleek and spacious, this tall tote makes space for all your essentials—even a laptop. While it is one of the new Mulberrys its simple silhouette won't date.
RRP: $1,050 / £875 | Crafted from Gold Standard leather, this is the ideal bag choice for those looking for a more sustainable leather tote. Pair with navy and camel for a sleek ensemble.
If you’re looking for a bag smart enough for work, in a classic shape, or a tote with a pop of color to brighten up your outfit, then the search is over. British brand Aspinal of London prides itself on quality leather products that are so durable they will last a lifetime. Plus, you can even get your tote personalized with your initials to ensure no one ‘borrows’ your best tote bag.
Aspinal of London Tote Bags—Fashion Editor's Picks
RRP: $400 / £275 | A good tote bag is a workwear essential and this easy, roomy bag with suede lining will be your go-to on the regular. From laptops to keys, phone and make-up bag, you can get it all in here.
RRP: $850 / £595 | The definition of attention to detail, everything about this bag is pristine. Look out for Aspinal of London's iconic 'A' panels stitched to the sides. We love the added A charm too.
RRP: $875 / £650 | In this striking marmalade hue, this bag offers a splash of color to dull winter days and will be equally gorgeous on sunny afternoons paired with a white shirt dress.
Want to grab yourself a new season tote bag without a hefty price tag? Accessorize's affordable collection lets you dip your toe into this bag shape, and the trends that come with it, without too much financial commitment. Shop here for could-be-designer totes and on-trend designs at prices that won't make your eyes water. As you'd expect for the price, most aren't made from leather, making this a good choice for those searching for vegan tote bags.
Accessorize Tote Bags—Fashion Editor's Picks
RRP: $38 / £25 | Everyone needs a basic tote bag and this super sleek and simple silhouette is ideal for when you need a smart bag that will just go with everything. Particularly roomy, this bag comes in several other colors too.
RRP: $38 / £25 | This gorgeous scallop detailing makes this bag look worth far beyond its price tag. Scalloped edging continues to play a big role in fashion trends 2022 and this bag slots in nicely. We love the pastel shade too.
RRP: $49 / £32 | It's hard to believe this bag isn't from a big designer label. With such a timeless and chic color block palette and great metal hardware detailing, this is a stylish buy that will help to update your workwear wardrobe.
An Edinburgh-based brand, Strathberry is known globally for their luxury leather goods. Founded in 2013, the brand was started by husband-and-wife team Guy and Leeanne Hundleby.
With a penchant for elegance, Strathberry bags fuse together timeless style with modern detailing, for pieces that feel fresh and contemporary. Handcrafted in Spain from the finest Spanish leathers, Strathberry has cultivated a reputation for excellence.
Loved the world over, their bags have been spotted on the arms of Kate Middleton, Kate Hudson, Meghan Markle, Katie Holmes and Lady Gaga, to name just a few.
Strathberry Tote Bags—Fashion Editor's Picks
RRP: $445 / £325 | With 14 color variations, there is a mini tote for every style. A scaled-down version of the Strathberry tote, this is a classic silhouette with an on-trend micro twist.
RRP: $595 / £425 | Available in four colorways this is handcrafted tote bag, made from super soft leather. Ideal for your everyday essentials, it has a roomy interior and internal side pocket with zip closure.
RRP: $770 / £545 | This classic Strathberry silhouette is available in 11 different color/leather styles. A timeless and elegant piece, it features the signature Strathberry top bar closure.
Founded in 2015 by Emma Hill, former Creative Director of Mulberry, Hill & Friends has craftmanship, luxury and fun as part of its core DNA. Made in their 'Happy Factory', in the rolling hills of Somerset, the brand are doing their bit to keep leather goods skills alive. Emma takes top-quality fabrications, classic silhouettes and sprinkles them with a little Hill magic to make bags that will, like their logo, truly make you smile.
"My current go-to Tote (I like to call it Totes-tastic!) is our Hill and Friends Happy Puffy Zip Top one in red smooth leather. It’s made in England, is super versatile with shape-shifting side snaps and a detachable skinny shoulder strap, secure top zip when you need it, and an innovative blind latex logo.
I especially love graphic totes for putting a bit of much-needed fun into grocery shopping and so I also always have our H&F NHS Hero Rainbow Tote folded up inside my bag, for those impromptu supermarket trips!"
Those are Emma's favorite tote bags from her collection and here are ours...
Hill & Friends Tote Bags—Fashion Editor's Picks
RRP: $475 / £350 | Using environmentally accredited British tannery leather, this Made in England tote features skinny straps so it won't disrupt your outfit and will sit comfortably on your shoulder for everyday use. With plenty of space for your essentials, this classic tan hue will carry you through all seasons, pairing equally well with tailored workwear as it will with your best jeans and jumper combo.
RRP: $580 / £425 | This neat silhouette is ideal for those who have plenty to pack but don't want a bag that feels too overwhelming. With adjustable straps for multi-ways to wear, this handcrafted bag is made at the brand's Somerset factory. With raw-painted edges, silver-toned hardware and oversized blind embossed handbag, this classic black tote will be loved for years to come.
RRP: $808 / £595 | Handcrafted in the brand's Somerset factory, this bag is super functional. The top handles allow you to carry this bag in the crook of your arm, on your shoulder or in your hand, while an adjustable shoulder strap offers a hands-free option. Poppers allow you to switch this up from a smart structured tote that fits a 13-inch laptop to something more casual for weekend usage.
Are tote bags still in fashion?
In a nutshell... yes. Tote bags are most definitely still in fashion, although they've had several updates over the past few seasons. For 2022, it's all about the XL tote bag, which we're obviously thrilled about, because it means we can carry more.
“We’re seeing a lot of roomy designs with minimalist hardware details and luxe finishes that are both beautiful and practical, and are perfect for the return to a more hectic pace of life. Functionality, quality, craftsmanship and attention to detail are definitely the first things to look for when shopping for an investment handbag that will stand the test of time”—says owner and co-founder of Strathberry, Leeanne Hundleby.
Tote bags have never really gone out of fashion and although you may see the runways littered with new bag silhouettes such as micro bags and backpacks, the tote bag endures as one of the key components of any handbag collection.
And stylist Leigh Williams is a fan too. “Every woman should have a tote bag in her wardrobe. It will be your greatest fashion companion through all stages of your life and there will be so many occasions when you’ll be thankful you own the spacious style”, says fashion stylist Leigh Williams. “I’d recommend a classic leather and a fun printed canvas so you can mix it up depending on the scenario.”
Tote bags are by far the most loved and most practical handbag style and while you might also want to invest in a small crossbody bag for your to-hand items, the tote bag always have a place in your wardrobe, making it one of the best investment styles.
And remember, it isn't all about leather bags either, as Emma Hill tells us, "I love that totes are one of the few bag shapes that can be just as fabulous in fabric as they are in leather, and in fact, one of the few bags that I own that I did not design is my beloved 20-year-old classic oversize LL Bean canvas tote with my nickname, Mrs Peel, embroidered on the front."
A quick history of the tote bag proves it will endure
The word ‘tote’, meaning ‘to carry’, is thought to have been around since the 17th century, but the bags as we have come to know as totes were first noted in the 1940s in the USA. LL Bean introduced a large box bag to carry ice from the freezer to the car, and the tote bag was born.
Making the transition into fashion in the 1960s, perhaps the most famous of all tote bags is the Hermès Birkin.
The story goes that actress Jane Birkin was sat next to the executive chairman of luxury fashion house Hermès, Jean-Louis Dumas, on a flight in 1981 when the contents of her straw bag spilled out onto the aisle. The pair spent the rest of the journey discussing and designing a roomier bag perfect for a busy, professional woman and mother.
The iconic accessory has since gone on to be one of the most expensive bags in the world and a smart one to invest in thanks to holding its value.
Now, the timeless Hermes tote comes in a range of fabrics including utilitarian canvas, summer straw or luxury leather—and, thankfully, in much more affordable prices. And it has, of course, inspired thousands of other tote bags since.
w&h thanks the following contributors for their time and expertise:
- Emma Hill, Creative Director, Hill & Friends
- Leeanne Hundleby, owner and co-founder of Strathberry
- Leigh Williams, Fashion Stylist
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